Biggby Coffee takes another shot at breaking into Holland market

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- Mark Dykema believes the Holland market is prime for the reintroduction of Biggby Coffee to the area.

Dykema, with partners and parents Michael and Mary Dykema, plan to open a new franchise in mid-September at the busy commercial intersection of Chicago Drive and Waverly Avenue right on the border of Holland and Holland Township.

A previous Biggby Coffee -- then known as Beaner’s -- opened briefly on James Street and U.S. 31 but closed in 2009.

“We have a lot going for our operation,” said Dykema, a Holland native and 2007 Hope College graduate in business management.

“For one, Chicago Drive is much better location in high volume traffic area. And we think the timing is right. Biggby Coffee has much more brand identity than it did a few years ago and is one of the fastest growing coffee chains in the country right now,”

The partners are currently remodeling a 2,200-square-foot commercial space at 350 Chicago Dr. that will have seating for about 40 people plus a conference room for community meetings.

Plans call for the new Biggby Coffee shop to be open by mid-September.

Mark Dykema will be managing the Biggby Coffee shop, while his parents, both accountants, will look after the financial end. The coowners have invested about $250,000 in the start up.

“We believe there is a demand in the Holland area for a new coffee experience and we are expecting to break even within a year,” he said.

Dykema said they have also negotiated for a second Holland location that could open next year.

Started in 1995 in East Lansing, Biggby Coffee now has 150 outlets operating or under contract to open in eight states that include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and three southern states.

“We have eight sites that are opening or have opened in West Michigan including three in Grand Rapids, two in Holland and three in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area,” said company spokesperson Katie Koerner, noting more expansion is planned for 2013.